I am strongly considering joining a Karate school here in NYC. After visiting the school that I will likely join, I was shocked to learn that "Heavy Duty" Gis are sold for around $175 each (school's embroidered logo included). I can buy the patches (arm and lapel) for $25, but was wondering if someone might provide the link to a website where I can find high quality, competitively priced Karate Gis. Please see my questions below:
1. Are Karate Gis standard from one school to the next? I would hate to show-up to class the first day with a Gi that is completely different from the rest.
2. If Karate Gis are relatively similar from school to school, can someone please recommend an online website that is reputable and has competitive prices? Are there specific brands that I should look for, or perhaps avoid?
I studied Jujitsu for nearly 2 years nearly a decade ago, so I have some idea of what I am looking for in a school. However, I would love to hear anyones advice/tips for selecting a school.
Thanks for your thougts!
-PC
